Power of Attorney for Buying Property in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many foreign buyers complete their purchase in Turkey without being present at the land registry. Instead, they give a power of attorney (vekaletname) to a lawyer, adviser or trusted person, who signs on their behalf. Done correctly, this saves travel and time. Done badly, it can delay the transfer or give someone more authority than you intended. This guide explains where to issue a power of attorney, what it should contain and how to use it safely.

Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary between consulates, notaries and land registry offices.

What a Power of Attorney Does in a Property Purchase

A power of attorney authorises another person (the attorney) to act in your name. For a property purchase, it can cover the steps that normally require your presence or signature: obtaining a tax number, opening or using a bank account, arranging insurance, paying fees and signing the title deed transfer at the land registry.

The attorney's actions bind you as if you had acted yourself. That is why the choice of attorney and the scope of the document matter as much as its legal form.

Option 1: Issue It at a Turkish Consulate

For most buyers, a Turkish consulate in their country of residence is the simplest route.

• The document is prepared in Turkish and in the format Turkish notaries and land registries expect.
• It is treated like a power of attorney issued by a Turkish notary, so an apostille or further legalisation is usually not needed.
• Most consulates require an appointment and ask for your passport, a photo and the attorney's identity details. If you know the property, bring its details too.

Option 2: Issue It at a Turkish Notary

If you are in Turkey for a short visit before the purchase, for example for a viewing trip, you can sign a power of attorney at any Turkish notary. If you do not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter must take part. This is useful when you want to view properties in person but leave the paperwork and signing to your representative.

Option 3: Issue It at a Foreign Notary

A power of attorney issued by a notary in your own country can also be used, but it needs extra steps:

• Apostille or legalisation: if your country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the document needs an apostille. Otherwise, it needs consular legalisation.
• Translation: a sworn Turkish translation, usually certified by a Turkish notary, is required.
• Form and photo: land registries generally expect a document comparable to a Turkish notarial deed, including your photograph. A simple signature certification may not be accepted.

Because acceptance can depend on the exact form, check a foreign power of attorney with your lawyer or the land registry before you send the original to Turkey.

What the Document Should Authorise

A property power of attorney should be specific enough to work at the land registry and limited enough to protect you. Typical authorities include:

• Buying real estate in Turkey in your name, either a specific property or property in a defined area
• Signing the title deed transfer and related land registry applications
• Obtaining a Turkish tax number and paying taxes, fees and charges
• Arranging the compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) and the valuation report
• Carrying out the currency exchange and obtaining the bank's purchase certificate
• Setting up electricity, water and gas subscriptions after the purchase, if you want

Avoid broad wording that also allows the attorney to sell, mortgage or transfer your other assets unless you really need it. If you plan to apply for a residence permit or other services later, discuss whether a separate document is better.

The attorney will use the same document set as a buyer who attends in person. See our checklist of the documents needed to buy property in Turkey.

Step by Step: Buying With a Power of Attorney

1. Choose the property and agree the price and payment terms in writing.
2. Choose your attorney, ideally an independent lawyer, and agree the scope of the work.
3. Prepare the power of attorney at a consulate, a Turkish notary or a foreign notary with apostille and translation.
4. Send the original document to your attorney in Turkey.
5. The attorney obtains the tax number, arranges DASK and the valuation report and books the land registry appointment.
6. You transfer the funds through traceable bank payments, and the bank issues the currency purchase certificate.
7. The attorney signs the transfer at the land registry and sends you the new title deed and documents.

The overall timing is explained in how long it takes to buy property in Turkey.

How to Stay Safe

• Choose an independent attorney: ideally a lawyer who is not connected to the seller or developer. Read do you need a lawyer to buy property in Turkey?
• Limit the scope: name the property where possible and leave out authorities you do not need.
• Pay directly: transfer the purchase price yourself through the bank rather than to the attorney's personal account, where possible.
• Check the title record yourself: ask for the title record before the transfer and review it with your lawyer. See title deed annotations explained.
• Revoke when finished: once the purchase is complete, you can revoke the power of attorney through a notary or consulate and inform the parties involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy property in Turkey without visiting?

Yes. With a valid power of attorney, a representative can complete the process and sign at the land registry on your behalf.

Does a power of attorney from a Turkish consulate need an apostille?

Usually not. A consulate power of attorney is treated like one issued by a Turkish notary.

How long is a power of attorney valid?

If no end date is written, it generally remains valid until it is revoked or ends for another legal reason, although very old documents may be questioned in practice. You can include an expiry date.

Can my attorney sell my property later?

Only if the document authorises a sale. A purchase-only power of attorney does not allow the attorney to sell.

Buy Remotely With Confidence

Follow every stage of the process in our property buyer's guide for Turkey, browse property for sale in Turkey or read our Property Turkey guide. If you plan to buy without travelling, talk to our team about video viewings and the documents you will need.